NAR: Cleaning Service Dilemma

ksmeg78

We hired a new cleaning service (company not an individual). I recently noticed that one of the employees used my laptop (that was not open or on, so it's not even like it was just sitting there) to check her email and surf a bit last time we had service which was last week. I think this is pretty universally unacceptable in a cleaning service and I feel a little violated. Do you think I should definitely fire the service or give them a chance to explain? They are new and have only been out three times. I ahve already called them once about putting things in my drawers as I do not want them opening drawers and there is no reason for them to do that. Since I am angry my first instinct is to not only fire them but ask for a credit for this past week since obviously some of the time I paid for was spent online, but I don't want to be a crazy unreasonable person. How would you play it?

mrs.goget

I would call the company and give them a chance to explain/investigate.  They absolutely should not have been on your computer, they should be working while they are there (I know a little hypocritical of me as I type this from work)!   If they follow up correctly I would continue using them (one company can't let it happen twice, right?)  If they still do not continue to work the way you want/need them to I would move on to a new company. 

You are paying for a service and should expect for the service to live up to your standards and I believe you have every right to contact them.

MyColonyNJ

We had a smiliar problem when we had contractors in the house last year.  I check my history a lot to make sure Colin isn't getting into bad things.

Well, someone went into facebook, checked e-mail, and a couple other sites.

I was pissed.  It bothered me the most because if he was on my PC, that means he could have logged onto my bank account and other sites where I have a password saved.

Also, he then had full access to all my files.

I told the contractor who said he addressed it with the guy, I also put a password on the PC, used with the screen saver.  This way, even if he attempted to get on, he couldn't.

I would totally complain.

pepomntpat

That is crazy!

I would at the very least call and ask for a credit for that day.  However, I think if someone did something that major I'd just be done with them.  We've used the same company for years and never had an issue like that.  I also password protect all of my computers.

lilmufish

If you can print out the sites they went to or at least a "history" of your sites visited i'd do that for proof. I'd then call the company, explain what you have, mention that it's the second time. Ask for not only a credit, but for "new" people to come into your home to clean AND something else you choose....Or you'll be choosing an other service and going to to the better business bureau.    

BTW: You are not sounding like a crazy unreasonable person. You are paying for a service and they've disappointed you twice.

 

silliestbunny

I vote FIRE!

It's nice to give people a second chance but someone has already violated your trust.  If this employee is willing to do this on one of the first visits, what will happen down the road. 

You pay too much money to not have a good crew in your home.  Do not feel like you must be loyal.  This is too new of a relationship to feel loyal to the company.

As a side-  I have had the best luck with housecleaners by employing individuals.  My feeling is that I am more likely to have a relationship with an individual rather than a company.  I have been using my current cleaner for two years w/o incident.  Prior to her, I had someone for four years. 

jacksjerseygirl

I've complained for a lot less. We use The Maids, there job is to clean your home not go through your drawers, not eat food out of your fridge, not use your personal electronics.

500% NOT okay at all. If they are willing to sit down, take a rest and use your laptop what else are they doing? Going through your jewelry and playing dress up?

Seriously. I would call and talk to the manager and state that in an authoritative manner (because you have nothing to feel crazy or insecure about in complaining) that their staff took a break while they were to be cleaning your home and logged onto your computer. Wait and see what the response is. If they act like it is no big deal or you don't feel they are taking the issue seriously - then tell them flat out that they are fired and that you will make a complaint to the better business bureau (or I would anyway).

I know that the manager at our cleaning company gets on top of stuff quickly when I have complained about smaller items and they are not allowed to take breaks of any kind inside a client's home.

Jas*sGirl

ACK they used your computer?  Yeah I would for sure fire them and ask for a credit.  That is NOT OKAY in my book!

CaptainSerious

I would definitely fire them.  I would suspect that they were snooping in your computer, not just surfing the net or checking their e-mail.  I would be concerned about identity theft, and check my statements and accounts regularly for the next several months/years.  I would put my complaint to the company in writing (after calling to fire them), and even consider making a police report, just so that you have written documentation of this transgression if you find any suspicious charges on your accounts in the future.

ksmeg78

Thanks everyone! I think sometimes I struggle too much with not wanting to be the "bad guy" I think in this case firing was the way to go and I feel good about it.